There are many positive aspects to living in Las Vegas; however for many, the summer heat is not one of them. Having to depend solely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool all summer is costly and energy consuming.
Here are a few options to keep the heat out of your Las Vegas home while keeping your energy bill low:
Get that Air Circulating
A ceiling fan can be a great investment for your Las Vegas home. Fans don’t use much energy but with the air moving, it can feel much cooler – a whole 5 to 7 degrees cooler. In fact, a large room fan can cost as little as $10 per month in energy costs and is well worth the investment.
Remember, after installing the fan, ensure that it’s set on the summer setting, and the air is blowing downward.
Use Internal Heat Sparingly
Internal heat are those things in your home that generate heat: appliances, lighting and electronic devices. Keep these types of things turned off unless you absolutely need to use them. Keep lighting to a minimum and not only will you keep your home cooler, but you will find a lower energy bill at the end of the month.
Be aware of putting heat-generating appliances, such as lights or televisions, near your air-conditioning thermostat. This is where the temperature is gauged and your well-intentioned thermostat will think your home is warmer than it really is and will make your system run longer and harder than it has to in order to reach the desired temperature.
Stoves and ovens produce a lot of heat. If you need to use them in the heat of the day, use your range fan to help dissipate some of the hot air. Another suggestion is to look at menus to prepare meals that do not use these appliances such as salads, pre-prepared meat that can be eaten later, and precooked meals.
Put Your Window Coverings to Work
It pays to shade your interior. Installing white window shades, drapes or blinds will reflect the heat away from your home. Close the window treatments on windows that are facing the sun; east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing in the afternoon. This will help to keep the sun’s heat out, and your air conditioner will have to work less to cool your home, saving you money and increasing energy efficiency.
Use Landscaping to Your Advantage
Use plants and shrubs to shade your air conditioner unit being careful to not block the airflow. A unit operating in direct sun will use more energy. If your landscape has room for improvement, deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer and allow sunlight to warm your house during the winter.
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